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THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANT 
921 Arch Stwwt Philadelphia 



For Love or Money 



A Comedy in Three Acts 



By Helen Sherman Griffith 

Author of "The Burglar Alarm/' "The Minister's Wife," etc* 







j > j j 



* ' . ■> 



- . > 



• .■> ' 



PHILADELPHIA 

THE PENN PUBLISHING COMPANY 

1 9 O 3 



a 






THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS. 

Two Copies Received 

JUN 26 1903 

- Copyright fcntry 

Jt^^ %l, f<fe>3 

4^ LASS ^Q- XXc. No. 

3 &s- 

COPY a 

— — — — i^^— ■— ...» — =tJ 



? 



Copyright 1903 by The Penn Publishing Company 



•. • • » 



• « * ;• . 



For Love or Money 



For Love or Money 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 

Colonel Van Triton, . . in the harassing position 

of Guardian. 
Robert Acton, a modest, misunderstood lover.' 

Harold Weston, a loyal friend. 

Louise Herndon, . . seeking to be loved for herself. 
Miss Horton, . . . Louise 's aunt, her cap set for the 

Colonel. 
Mrs. Ambrose, . with views for Marjorie — and herself. 
Marjorie Ambrose, .... not ' ' out ' ' but coming. 
Katy, . . . ^ Louise 1 s maid. 



COSTUMES, MODERN 



PROPERTIES 



Small dog, paper bag of peanuts, box containing flow- 
ers, step-ladder, bonnet in bandbox, telegraph blank, small 
tea service with several cups. 

\ 
Time in Representation : — One Hour and Fifteen 

Minutes. 



For Love or Money 



ACT I 

Time : Afternoon. 

SCENE. — Drawing-room i?i Louise's house. Curtain 
rises disclosing empty stage. Enter Marjorie, centre 
back, carrying paper bag. She looks cautiously about 
room, closes door carefully. 

Marjorie {advancing front and putting bag on table'). 
There, I actually got past the dragon ! Mamma is in the 
library, pouring gossip into Louise's ear. I know it's gossip 
— probably scandalous gossip — because mamma is smacking 
her lips and Louise is frowning. Mamma is smacking her 
lips figuratively, of course. She would never be so vulgar 
as to do it literally. {Seats herself on arm of chair.) 
Never was girl so pestered as I am. I really don't know 
"where I am at " any more. I mayn't do tomboy things 
because I'm too old. Yet I'm not grown up enough to go 
to parties and talk to young men. I am so tired of behav- 
ing properly. {Rises.) I am going to have one good time 
at any rate. These peanuts {lifts bag from table) are 
atrociously vulgar, from mamma's point of view, but I in- 
tend to eat them all. {Door ope?is.) Oh, some one's 
coming! {Faces door, bag behind back.) What if it's 
mamma ! Enter Katy, back. In relieved tone). Oh, it's 
only Katy. 

Katy {injured). Only Katy ! Sure, an' how would 
the house be gittin' on widout me, I'm after wantin' to 
know ! 

Marjorie. It would fall to rack and ruins. I meant I 
was glad you were n,ot rn.am.iria,, 

5 



6 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Katy. So am I, miss. 

Marjorie (displaying bag). Katy, do you like peanuts? 

Katy (mollified). Do I? Well, now Miss Marjorie, 
you do know the way to a body's heart. 

Marjorie. Well then, take me to a place of safety 
where we can eat them together. 

Katy. A place of safety, miss ? What's wrong ? 
(Looks about anxiously.) 

Marjorie. Yes, where mamma cannot see me. I am 
not "out," Katy, but {sighs) I suffer all the restrictions of 
that emancipated state. 

Katy (leading zvay to door, l.). Ach, an' it's sorry I 
am for yez. Just be after comin' down to de kitchen an' 
you an' cook an' me can have a cozy time of it together 
along wid de bag. 

Marjorie (following). I knew you'd enter into the 
spirit of the thing. Oh ! (Stops short.) 

(Enter Mrs. Ambrose, and Louise, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (regarding Marjorie through lorgnette). 
Marjorie, what have you in that bag? 

Marjorie. Oh, oh — why — why, a little present for the 
dog ! Katy was just going to show me the puppies. 
They're lovely puppies, aren't they, Katy? 

Katy (aside). However did Miss Marjorie find out 
about thim pups ? Cook an' I was keepin' it a secret for 
fear as how they's be drowneded. 

Louise. Puppies ? Why, Katy, this is news to me. 

Marjorie (aside). To me, too. I thought the pups 
were a creation of my own brain. 

Katy (beginning to cry). Sure, mum, they's not big 
pups. An' they's only four. They're that good down in 
the cellar, they'd win yer heart ! Oh, miss, you won't be 
after tellin' Miss Horton ? I couldn't stand havin' of 'em 
drowneded, nor cook, nuther. 

Louise. There, Katy, that will do. We shall discuss 
the matter later. 

Marjorie. In the meantime, Katy, you must keep your 
promise. ( Waves bag significantly.) 

Katy. Ah, Miss Marjorie, you do cheer a body up 
amazin'. 

Marjorie. Of course. A woman's heart lies very much 
in the same region as a man's. Eh, Katy? Now, right 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY J 

about face, march ! {They link arms and march to 
door.) 

Mrs. Ambrose {scandalized). Marjorie ! 

(Majorie drops Katy's arm and walks off with exagger- 
ated prim ness, K at y following. ) 

Mrs. Ambrose {to Louise). My dear, I did it for the 
best. I could not but be aware that Mr. Acton is paying 
you marked attention — don't blush, my dear. You must 
not feel shy before such an old friend. {Puts an arm 
around Louise's waist.) And I want to be a true friend, 
so, my dear, I thought it my duty to repeat to you what I 
overheard. 

Louise {in mechanical voice). You heard Mr. Acton 
say ? 

Mrs. Ambrose. " I am a poor man. That debt must 
be paid. Otherwise I should not think of marriage. I 
must have money." 

Louise. And you are sure he was talking to a woman ? 

Mrs. Ambrose. I saw her, my dear. Now, what do 
you make of it? 

Louise {evasively). What do you make of it? 

Mrs. Ambrose {firmly). To my mind there is only one 
interpretation. He is in love with this other woman but she 
is poor while you — ah, my dear, I shall not wound you 
further. 

Louise {nervously, fingering books on table). You don't 
think he could have been referring to some debt to be paid 
to him — in order that he could afford to marry ? 

Mrs. Ambrose {coldly). Of course it is easy to twist 
the meaning one desires, into anything. I have done my 
best, my dear. I am going to your aunt now. But {pauses 
at door), forewarned should be forearmed. Remember. 

{Exit Mrs. Ambrose, back.) 

Louise {sinking into chair). How petty, how mean, how 
grasping the world is ! Am I so insignificant, so plain, so 
uninteresting that it is impossible for any man to love me 
for myself? I distrust the whole world now — except dear 
old Hal. I know he does not love me for my money be- 
cause he has such heaps himself. But he does not love me 
in the right way to marry me — nor I him. He's just like a 
brother to me. But with Robert — Mr. Acton — why 



8 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

(Rises.) Oh, I am sure he is to be trusted ! One look 
into his eyes ! (Pauses.) But there, as Mrs. Ambrose 
says, one cannot very well deny spoken words. This de- 
termines me to carry out my plan. It seemed cruel to 
doubt Robert before, but now I think I am justified. Ah, 
here comes the Colonel. 

(Colonel Van Triton rushes in percipitately. Starts at 
sight of Louise, then sighs with relief. ) 

Colonel. More petticoats ! Which one of 'em is it ? 
Ah, my dear. (As Louise turns.) Here I am, safe and 
scott-free. 

Louise (smiling and offering her hand). Why, Colonel, 
you act as if the police were after you. 

Colonel {mopping his broiu). So they were, my dear. 
Two policemen in petticoats. And oh, bless me, here they 
come ! (Sinks down upon sofa.) 

(Enter Mrs. Ambrose and Miss Horton together, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose) ,. ., . A1 , n , , -> 

Miss Horton } (*«**"•)• Ah > m V dear Colo » el ? 

( They sit down on sofa, one on each side of Colonel, who 
attempts to rise. They each catch at an arm and hold 
him down.) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Don't move, dear Colonel, you look so 
tired. 

Miss Horton. Quite fagged out, my dear Colonel, and 
so — so depressed ! 

Mrs. Ambrose ) ,. ±1 . T , , 

Miss Horton } (***<*»•)■ Let me cheer >' ou ! 

Louise (aside). There is evidently no chance for me to 
unfold my plans. I'll go and complete the details. (Starts 
to go, R.) 

Colonel (rising and breaking away forcibly). Miss 

Louise! My dear (Louise pauses.) You said you 

wanted to see me on business. Come, come. (Pleadingly.) 
I am sure it was important business ? 

Louise (to Colonel, smiling). Yes, Colonel, it is very 
important, but I am not quite ready to break the news. I 
am sure Aunt Carolyn and Mrs. Ambrose will entertain you 
until I return. 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 0, 

{Exit Louise, r.) 

Colonel {aside). Shall I come out of this whole, or will 
they halve me ! 

Miss Horton (rising). My dear Colonel, I wanted to 
ask you about 

Mrs. Ambrose (rising). Dear Colonel Van Triton, you 
are forgetting your promise to 

Miss Horton {crossing). The Colonel has promised 
me 

Mrs. Ambrose (reseating her self o?i sofa). Just sit down 
here, Colonel. We 

Miss Horton. Colonel, if you will come with me to the 
library, I 

Mrs. Ambrose {with dignity). The Colonel is going to 
sit here with me. 

Miss Horton. He is going to the library with me. 

Mrs. Ambrose. Colonel, come here. 

Miss Horton. Colonel, I am waiting. 

Colonel {turning from one to the other). My dear 
ladies, I should be most glad to advise you ; to talk upon 
any subject. But why can't we all sit here together, eh ? 
And have a nice, cozy little chat, eh ? 

(He sets three chairs in a row and boivs obsequiously to 
Mrs. Ambrose and Miss Horton in turn. They hesi- 
tate a moment, then each rush for a chair, flushing 
them close together and forcing the Colonel upon the 
centre chair.) 

Mrs. Ambrose } {together). My dear Colonel, as we 

Miss Horton } were saying 

Katy (at door, back). Mr. Acton, mum. Mr. Weston. 

{Ladies and Colonel jump up.) 

Colonel {aside). A blessed release ! 

{Exit Katy.) 

{Enter Acton and Weston, back.) 

Acton {aside, looking about room). She is not here. 
{Shakes hands perfunctorily with others.) Ah, Miss Hor- 
ton, how-do. How-do, Mrs. Ambrose. Nice day, Colonel. 
{Stands apart abstractedly. ) 



10 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Weston (to Colonel). Well, my dear old Don Juan, 
which came out ahead to-day ? Oh, I saw you through 
the crack, making love to both of them ! {Nudges him.) 

Colonel {indignantly, to Weston). I making love to 
them ! I was trying to escape. 

Weston {laughing). Trying to escape? Ho, ho! 
You're a sly old dog. (To Miss Horton.) A sly old dog, 
isn't he, Miss Horton ? (They talk aside.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (aside). Now, I must keep Mr. Acton 
and Louise apart. She might be tempted to accept him in 
spite of my warnings. Mr. Acton would make such a good 
match for Marjorie — after she comes out. Of course he 
hasn't the money that Harold has, but poor Hal's family — 
in trade ! Marjorie will have enough for both, and Robert's 
family-tree is beyond reproach ! 

Acton (to Miss Horton). I hope we shall have the 
pleasure of seeing your niece this afternoon, Miss Horton ? 
She is well, I trust ? 

Weston. The ball last evening was not too much for 
her ? 

Miss Horton. She is well, thanks. Yes, well, but dear 
child, she is frail — such an exotic. She needs care, tender- 
ness, luxury. 

Acton (aside). That is a dig at me, I suppose, because 
I'm a poor man. 

Mrs. Ambrose. Louise is indeed a delicate flower. 

Colonel (aside). I am glad that those two can agree on 
some subject ! 

Mrs. Ambrose (with meaning look at Acton). I dare 
say, if she were transplanted from her present — er — path of 
luxury she would be as weak as — as 

(Enter Katy, back.) 

Katy. Tea, mum. Miss Herndon says will the ladies 
come to the library to take a cup of it ? 

(Exeunt Katy, Mrs. Ambrose, Miss Horton, back.) 

Acton (to Colonel). I say, Colonel, can you give me 
a hint as to some good and speedy investment ? I want to 
turn an honest penny in short order. 

Colonel {consulting pocket note-book). The X. Y. & 
Z. is going up — P. G. & F., too. The first is the highest 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY II 

flyer, generally. I'm going to telephone my broker now. 
Shall I buy for you ? 

(Colonel and Acton walk to door, talking aside. ) 

Weston. This investing is a mean business ; the sort of 
"investing" that Acton means to do. Pity everyone in 
the world wasn't born with enough money. 

{Exit Colonel, back, Acton advances, front.') 

Weston. Better leave that sort of thing alone, old man. 
It's a mean business. 

Acton. It's easy for you to preach — with your millions. 
I must make all I can, in any way I can. You don't know 
the bitterness of poverty, Hal, how it saps one's hopes, under- 
mines one's ambitions. {Enter Louise, r., unseen.) Ah, 
Hal, if I had an assured income, I could rise. I feel sure 
that, unfettered by poverty, by the petty demands of every- 
day needs, I could make my mark. But I'll have it before 
long now, Hal. 

Weston. It would bring you more luck to earn it penny 
by penny. 

Acton. And lose my youth in the process ? No, when 
a sum is ready to hand I should be foolish not to take it. 

Weston. And is the Smith debt to be paid ? 

Acton {firmly). Yes, it must be paid. You see, Hal, 
you understand I must have money, even at the cost of some 
self-respect. 

{Exit Louise, unseen.) 

Weston. Well, I don't blame you for trying to collect 
that, old boy. You are quite justified. But say, can't I 
lend you something — just enough to tide you over a honey- 
moon and all that ? 

Acton. Thank you, Hal, but that would be borrowing 
from Peter to pay Paul. No, I'll set myself on my own feet, 
thanks. 

{Enter Katy, carrying tea tray, followed by Miss Horton, 
Mrs. Ambrose and Colonel. Katy places tray on 
table. Exit Katy.) 

Miss Horton {seating herself beside table). We thought 
it more sociable to have the tea in here. {Pours.) 



12 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Katy {heard without). Sure, now, is it safe to be doin' 
it ? What' 11 they say to the pore little lamb ? 

Marjorie (Jieard without). They'll fall down and wor- 
ship him. How could they help it ? Hold the door open, 
Katy. 

Weston {aside). I hope Marjorie hasn't picked up a 
lover. If her mother would give us half a chance I'm sure 
she and I could come to an understanding. 

{Enter Marjorie, back, carrying a puppy.) 

Marjorie {rapturously, advancing front and sitting on 
floor with puppy on her lap). Dere oo is, oo dear tootem- 
wootems ! {Holding puppy up.) Look, every one. Isn't 
he sweet ? 

Mrs. Ambrose {scandalized). Marjorie ! 

Marjorie. Yes, I know, mamma. But he is sweet. 
Mr. Weston, do give him some cream. I want to watch 
him lap it, his tongue is so pink. 

{Enter Louise, back. Harold pours cream into saucer ; 
he and Marjorie/^/ dog.) 

Acton. Ah, Miss Herndon, I am so glad to see you 
again. 

Louise {coldly, ignoring hand). Thank you, Mr. 
Acton. Aunt, will you pour me a cup of tea? 

Acton {aside). Now, what in the world have I done to 
deserve that ? 

Miss Horton {giving Louise a cup of tea). Mr. 
Acton, how do you take yours ? 

(Miss Horton, Mrs. Ambrose and Acton talk aside.) 

Louise {to Colonel). I am ready to talk to you now, 
Colonel. No, we need not go to the library. {Leads him 
aside.) It is only a request I have to make which you 
must grant. 

Colonel. Must, my dear ? A request ? Say command. 

Louise {smiling). It does amount to that. You see, 

Colonel, I {Looks about to see that they are out of 

hearing of others.) I am so^ so suspicious, I want to find 
my true friends. 

Colonel {gallantly). My dear, we are all your faithful 
slaves ! 

f " 1T ^E r IJqw dq | fcngw tliat you all are ? Some of my 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY I3 

friends may — may be seeking me for my money. Oh, 
I know it is a horrible idea, but I can't help it. I keep 
hearing things — people flatter me, toady to me — men that I 
know are interested in other girls propose to me until 
I don't know the real feeling from the false. It is horrible, 
Colonel — a nightmare. I — I daren't let myself fall in love 
with any one for fear 

Colonel. For fear he's in love with your fortune? 

Louise. Exactly. And so I want to be, for a time — 
without any fortune. 

Colonel {puzzled). Why, how can you do that? 

Louise. The simplest thing in the world. In fact, it's 
already done. All you have to do, Colonel, is to play your 
part ! 

(Louise joins the others.) 

Colonel {bewildered). Play my part! What part? 
Is the girl mad ? 

Acton (aside). Shall I attack the guardian first, in the 
approved three volumed novel style and ask his permission 
to pay my addresses to his ward, or shall I speak out like a 

man to (Louise approaches him with a cup of tea.) 

Oh, thank you, thank you ! My dear Miss Herndon, if I 
might presume 

Louise {coldly). You may not presume anything. 
{Joins others.) 

Acton. I should have to be a snow man to speak out to 
that. {Tastes tea.) Even the tea is chilly. 

Mrs. Ambrose {severely). Marjorie, get up off the floor 
at once and take that horrid little dog back where he 
belongs. 

Marjorie {rising with puppy in her arms). He be- 
longs at home, for Katy has given him to me. {Sits on arm 
of chair. ) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Marjorie ! 

(Marjorie rises and stands primly.) 

Miss Horton. Marjorie, will you have a cup of tea ? 
Marjorie {curtseying primly). No, thank you. Mamma 
says it is bad for the complexion. 
Mrs. Ambrose. Marjorie ! 
Marjorie (curtseying primly), When I am not "oiu;," 



14 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

{Enter Katy, back, with telegram.') 

Katy {to Colonel). A message for the Colonel, sint 
up from his office by a impertinint little b'y wid red hair 
an' muddy boots. 

Colonel. Dear me. Our office boy has black hair. I 
wonder what it can be? {Opens telegram.) 

Katy. It's the mud that's black, sir. An' me wid the 
hall jus' cl'aned. Ach, the wicked spalpeen. 

Colonel {clutching his hair wildly). What's this, 
what's this ! {Sinks trembling into chair.) 

Katy {screaming). Ach, they's kilt 'im wid deir yellow 
papers. It's water he'll be after wan tin'. 

{Exit Katy, running. Others gather anxiously about 

Colonel.) 

Louise {in loiv voice, bending over Colonel). Don't 
take it so. I thought you would understand. It's the 
scheme. I wrote that telegram. We are to pretend that 
I've lost my fortune. 

Colonel. Eh? But, my dear, you should have pre- 
pared me ! 

Acton {reading out telegram). Matherton mines failed. 
Miss Herndon's interests deeply involved. Am forwarding 
papers. Cunningham, agent. 

Weston. By Jove, that's bad news ! 

Miss Horton. What does it mean? Is Louise poor? 
Has she lost her fortune? {Shrieks.) 

Colonel {sitting erect). Ha, ha, good joke that. 
I (Louise puts her hand over his mouth.) 

Acton (looking at Weston and tapping his forehead). 
It's gone to his head. 

Weston. Poor old man ! 

Mrs. Ambrose {to Louise). My poor, penniless child ! 
{Kisses her.) Come, Marjorie. {Moves toward door.) 

Miss Horton {wildly). Oh, it is not true ! Say it 
is not true. (To Colonel.) You villain, traitor, 
scoundrel ! 

Mrs. Ambrose {to Acton). You will go with us, Mr. 
Acton ? 

Marjorie. With you, not us, mamma — if you go. I 
shall stick by my friends. {She seats herself determinedly.) 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 1 5 

Mrs. Ambrose. Marjorie ! (To Acton.) You will 
come ? 

Acton {bowing). And I shall stay with her, madam. 

Marjorie. Ah, bravo, Mr. Acton. I knew your heart 
was in the right place ! 

(Marjorie shakes hands with Acton. Louise starts back 
in hurt astonishment.*) 



CURTAIN 



ACT II 

Time : Next morning. 



'.V 



SCENE. — Same as Act I. Furniture covered with linen 
slips, books piled ready for packing, step-ladder at one 
side of room. Miss Horton discovered sitting in easy- 
chair. 

Miss Horton {dolorously). So this is the end of all my 
hopes and plans ! Beggared by the man I had honored 
with my love — or the same as beggared, for now Louise 
cannot afford to give me my quarterly allowance. Meagre 
enough it was, I grant, out of her millions. But I could 
keep up appearances. Her millions ! And they are gone 
at one fell swoop. How could any one be idiot enough to 
risk millions in one enterprise! Why, a young jackanapes 
could give the Colonel lessons in business. If ever I get 
him, I'll manage his affairs ! {Despairingly.) But I never 
will get him, now that I'm a pauper. Why, I dare say I 
won't be able to afford a hairdresser ! That spiteful 
Ambrose woman will set her cap for him harder than ever. 
Why can't a woman be content with having had one 
husband? {Looks about room.) Ah, what a sad wreck of 
our happy home ! They tell me a trifle will be saved from 
the ruins — enough to keep the wolf from the door, I 
suppose. Ah, me ! 

{Enter Katy, back, carrying small bundle.) 

Katy. A package for yourself, Miss Horton, with 
Colonel Van Triton's compliments. But I don't know 
as I'd be after openin' it just here. It was left by the 
butcher's b'y an' himself told me in confidence as how it 
was swatebreads. 

Miss Horton. The dear, thoughtful Colonel ! Hum, it 
is rather moist, Katy. I'll take them down to cook and ex- 
plain a new recipe I found. The dear, thoughtful — ah — 

16 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 17 

scoundrelly Colonel ! He is doing this to flatter me, to 
blind me to his offense. I'll not eat the things. 

Katv. Ah, mum, it'd be a pity to waste 'em like. 
They're real tastey with cream gravy, mum. (Smacks her 
lips.) 

Miss Horton {looking at bundle). Yes, they don't 
keep. But the cold-hearted villain ! The — well, I'll talk 
to cook about the new recipe, anyway. 

{Exit Miss Horton, back.) 

Katy. Sure, these do be queer days. It's times too 
many to count as I've heard Miss Louise a-sighin' an' a- 
wishin' she was a beggar. An' now she is one, she's no 
happier 'n when she was rich. Ah, womin is strange beasts, 
as the poet says. I'm glad I'm not one but only a poor, 
sinsible waitin' maid. 

(Exit Katy, l.) 

{Enter Weston, back.) 

Weston {looking about room). Well, well, this looks 
real enough. I was hoping that the Colonel's telegram 
would prove a bad dream. But I'm afraid it's true. Well, 
I must propose to Louise to-day. I am in honor bound, as 
her oldest friend, to offer to set her on her feet — retrieve her 
fallen fortunes — all that sort of thing. I wonder why I find 
it so hard ? She's a sweet girl — would make any man a 
good wife. And I love her. I do. I love her like — like 
a sister. {Pauses.) Ah, that's just it. Like a sister. 
There's the trouble. Now Marjorie — bless her little heart ! 
Wasn't she a brick yesterday? She would stick by her 
friends, rich or poor ! Indeed she would. But I wonder 
what Acton meant by saying he'd remain with her? She 
didn't seem to have much difficulty in understanding what 
he meant. They appeared on pretty good terms — jolly 
good terms. I wonder if he can be in love with her? 
Confound it all, I thought he was in love with Louise. But 

that was when Louise had money He's been talking a 

good deal about wanting money, to help him on with his career. 
He had eyes and ears for no one but Louise until yesterday's 
catastrophe, and now — Marjorie — he — she — oh pshaw, he 
couldn't be such a cad as that ! 



l8 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

(Enter Louise, r.) 

Louise (coming front). Good-morning, Hal. You are 
a true friend, at least. 

Weston {shaking hands). I should hope so, indeed. 
But why so cynical ? 

Louise (spreading her hands). Is not all this enough to 
make one cynical ? But what weighty matter was engrossing 
you ? You did not hear me come in. 

Weston. I was just thinking — fact is, I was think- 
ing about Acton. (Anxiously.) You don't think he can 
be in love with Marjorie, do you? 

Louise {trying to speak lightly). His actions yesterday 
suggested it, didn't they? A rather sudden attachment. 
He used to consider her something of a spoilt child. 

Weston. Oh, she's not that ! Not a bit of it. Only 
beastly hectored. 

Louise (tea singly). You are very quick to take her 
part. (Soberly. ) What if — if Mr. Acton is in love with 
her ? ( Moves toward step-ladder. ) 

Weston. Well, if — if he should manifest such a fond- 
ness it would be, as you say, somewhat sudden. I should 
be inclined to consider Acton — under those circumstances — 
a cad. And I hardly like to think that of a friend, you know. 

Louise (one foot on ladder). It is a hard name to give 
a friend. 

Weston. Yes, I know. But Marjorie is rich and he 
used to be — I beg pardon, Louise, but Acton was jolly well 
crushed on you once 

Louise (bitterly). Yes, when I had money ! {Mounts 
ladder. ) 

Weston. That's just it. But hold on, what in the 
world are you going to do? 

Louise. I am going to take down this picture. (Reaches 
tip to picture hanging on wall. ) 

Weston. But why didn't you ask me to do it for you ? 

Louise. Would you have done it? 

Weston (eloquently). I would do anything in the world 
for you ! 

(Enter Acton, back, unseen. He pauses on hearing 
Weston's words.) 

Louise (looking down from ladder). Anything, 
Harold ? 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 10, 

Weston. I'd — I'd die for you, Louise. You know I'd 
lay down my life for you. Will you marry me? 

Louise. Would you marry me? 

Acton {aside, bitterly). And I was fool enough to think 
she cared for me ! To believe that now she was poor I 
could dare offer her my humble home, which had seemed 
too meagre to ask an heiress to share. But she prefers 
money again — out of a man's pocket, now her own is 
empty. 

Weston (elo que filly). Would I marry you? Oh, 
wouldn't I ! (Aside.) If she were only Marjorie ! 

Louise. You would do anything for me ? Yes, I be- 
lieve you would. Well then {Pauses.) 

Acton {aside). She has accepted him. My card-house 
is down — pouf ! 

{Exit Acton, back?) 

Louise {reaching up and removing picture from wall). 
Well then, take this picture as I hand it down to you. 

Weston (taking picture from Louise and leaning it 
against the wall). And when shall the wedding be? 

Louise (descending ladder). What wedding? 

Weston. Why, ours, to be sure. 

Louise. Oh, you dear old goose ! Don't you suppose 
I saw through you ? You aren't in love with me. How 
could you believe that I would accept you, just to retrieve 
my fallen fortunes ! That is the spirit in which you offered 
yourself, is it not ? Come, confess. 

Weston. But I meant it, Louise, honestly. 

Louise. Hush, hush ! Further perjury is unnecessary. 
We are too good friends to talk at cross-purposes. Come, 
let us have a game of tennis. The sheriffs have not come 
into that court yet. 

(Exeunt Weston and Louise, r.) 

(Enter Colonel and Mrs. Ambrose, back, Mrs. Ambrose 
clinging to Colonel's arm.) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Ah, Colonel, I sympathize with you 
deeply, deeply. I appreciate what you must suffer. There 
are so many people in this world who are ready to think ill 
of one ! 

Colonel. But madam, I think I have given good cause 



10 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

for people to think all sorts of things. And not only to 
think them but to say them. I am playing a despicable 
part — a most despicable part ! 

Mrs. Ambrose {shaking her finger). Naughty, naughty ! 
I cannot hear you malign yourself, my dear Colonel. It 
was all for the best. You could not know that the mines 
would fail. You 



Colonel. But, madam 

Mrs. Ambrose. Ah, I know. The hand of Providence 
was in it. 

Colonel {aside). Another slur upon Providence. 

Mrs. Ambrose {looking about room). Why, I certainly 
expected to find Marjorie here. Where can the child have 
gone? I must find her. She is really very troublesome. 
Colonel, you will excuse me for a few moments? 

Colonel {quickly). With pleasure, madam. Ah — er — 
I mean, I shall await your return with pleasure. {Bows 
low.) 

{Exit Mrs. Ambrose, r. Colonel seats himself and takes 

up neivspaper.) 

{Enter Acton, back.) 

Acton. Good-morning, Colonel. Mines looking up? 

Colonel {fidgeting). Ah — ah Don't know, I'm 

sure. 

Acton. Not interested in mines any longer? 

Colonel. They — ah {Shortly.) No, I'm not. 

Acton. Hum. {Fingers books on table abstractedly. 
Pause.) 

Colonel {rattling paper nervously). I suppose you no 
longer consider me — ah — a good adviser since — our last 
meeting? How about that little investment? 

Acton {indifferently). Investment? Oh, that's all off. 

{Enter Weston, r., unseen.) 

Colonel (to Acton). Off? How so? 

Acton. Fact is, Colonel, I had thought of marrying 
and naturally wanted to better myself a little in a worldly 
way. But that's all off now and — well, my worldly better- 
ment is a matter of utter indifference to me. 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 21 

Weston {drily, coming front). That is a melancholy 
state of mind, Acton. Is money all the world to you ? 

Acton {irritably). I just said it was nothing to me, 
nothing — now. (Aside.) He does not crow over me, at 
any rate. I could not stand that. 

{Exit Acton, back.) 

Weston {to Colonel). I say Colonel, Louise said 
something just now about sheriffs. It isn't as bad as all 
that, is it ? 

Colonel {iiervously). No, no. Sheriffs? Of course 
not. 

Weston. But she said 

Colonel. She did, did she ? Well, she knows more 
about it than I do. {Aside.) How far is she carrying 
this ? 

Weston. But Colonel, is that strictly businesslike, not 
to look after her interests more carefully ? 

Colonel. Oh, hang the business ! I'm looking after 
her interests all right. 

Weston {aside). He's certainly queer. {Aloud, 
firmly.) Colonel, I really must request you to come to the 
library and talk this affair over. As Louise's old friend I 
have a right to inquire into what is at best a mysterious 
affair — a mysterious affair, sir. 

Colonel {laying aside, paper). It certainly is. I agree 
with you there. {Rises, aside.) Now for another pack of 
lies. " Oh, what a tangled web we weave " and so forth. 
What will my reputation be worth when I get out of this ? 

{Exeunt Colonel and Weston, r.) 

{Enter Acton and Marjorie, back, Marjorie leading 
puppy by a string.) 

Marjorie. Now cheer up, Mr. Acton. I am sure it 
will all come out right in the end. {Ties dog to leg of 
table.) You know the old proverb, ''Faint heart never 
won fair lady." Pitch in and propose to her. Have it out. 

Acton. But 

Marjorie. No buts. You ought to have done it months 
ago. 

Acton. But 

Marjorie. Oh, you need not deny it. I know. I 



11 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

have eyes and I am a woman — even if I am not " out," — 
and I know love when I see it. Yes, you must propose. 
I'll tell you, rehearse it with me. The very thing ! {Claps 
her hands.} 

Acton. But 

Marjorie (impatiently). There you go again. Can't 
you say anything but "but"? Come, try. Now, I'm 
Louise and you are you. Begin and go straight through. 
I won't interrupt unless you blunder. Begin. You've no 
idea how it well help you. (Poses.) 

Acton. But I tell you 

Marjorie. You have not told me. Go on. 

Acton. Oh, well, if you will have it. (Aside.) It may 
unburden my mind. (To Marjorie.) My dear Miss 
Herndon, I had hoped, I had been led to believe that you 
cared for me. But my hopes have been dashed to the 
ground — my belief 

Marjorie. Good gracious, that's no way to propose ! 
What are you talking about ? Tell me — her — that you 
love me — her — madly ; will never give up hope ; will never 
take no for an answer, and so forth and so forth. Go on. 
(Resumes attitude of timid expectation.) 

Acton (fervently). How I wish I might say it to her ! 
Well, to humor you. (Enter Louise, r. unseen by others, 
pauses horror-struck.} My darling, my dearest ! I love 
you. I — I have loved you devotedly 

Marjorie (sotto voce, without looking round). Good. 
Come closer. 

Acton (approaching). I have loved you since the first 
moment I knew you. At times, I have dared to hope that 
you loved me ! 

Marjorie (sotto voce, without looking around). Not so 
humble. Be more assured. 

Acton (passionately). I have believed that you loved 
me. Moreover, convinced of your — your love for me, I 
dared to fling pride to the winds, to hope that you would 
stoop to me, a poor man 

Marjorie (sotto voce, without looking round but beckon- 
ing with her hand). Don't say " stoop." And it's time to 
kneel. 

Acton. I love you. (Kneels.) Will you marry me ? 
Will you take me for what I am, forgetting your high posi- 
tion and my humble 



FOR LOVE OR MONEV 23 

{Exit Louise, sobbing.') 

Marjorie (starting). What was that ? 

Acton {still on his knees, turning). What was what ? 

Marjorie. I thought I heard some one crying. 

Acton. It was your beast of a dog. {Rises.) But I 
say, what an idiot I've been to go through all this when 
she's engaged to another fellow. 

Marjorie {surprised). Who is? Louise? To whom ? 

Acton (gloomily). To Harold Weston. I heard him 
propose here, this morning, and she accepted him. 

Marjorie. Oh! (Tries to laugh.) That's — that's a 
surprise to me. I (Bursts out crying.) 

Acton (aside, amazed). Hello, I didn't know the wind 
blew from that quarter ! (Putting his arm about 
Marjorie. ) Oh, come now, little girl. Never mind. I 
was a brute to blurt it out like that. Forgive me. 

{E 'nter Mrs. Ambrose, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (shrieking). Marjorie ! 

Marjorie (starting). Oh, mamma ! 

Mrs. Ambrose {sternly). Come with me, at once. 

Marjorie. But 

Mrs. Ambrose. I want no objections. Come. 

Marjorie. But, mamma 

Mrs. Ambrose. At once. Do you hear me ? 
Marjorie. Oh, well. (Unties dog. To Acton.) 
Thank you, but — but don't tell, will you please? 
Mrs. Ambrose. Marjorie ! 

(Exeunt Mrs. Ambrose and Majorie, back.) 

(Enter Louise, r.) 

Acton {coming forward). Ah, Miss Herndon, may 
I have a word with you ? 

Louise {coldly). I cannot imagine what you could have 
to say to me. 

Acton (tenderly). Can't you imagine? (Humbly.) I 
have been waiting all morning to speak to you. 

Louise. And made the most of your waiting. 

Acton. Made the most of my waiting? Oh, I suppose 
you are jesting. Ha, ha, ha ! Yes, it is inconsistent for a 
poor fellow like me to waste time so. 



24 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Louise. You call what you have been doing this morn- 
ing a waste of time ? 

Acton. Well, I don't, of course. But my employer might. 

Louise. Yes, he might. Still, as you will soon be in a 
position to ignore the opinions of employers 

Acton {in surprise). What do you mean ? 

Louise. I thought you soon expected to have money at 
your command ? Appearances point that way. 

Acton. Oh, you mean my investment ? 

Louise {sarcastically). So, that is what you call it ! 

Acton. I am merely using the Colonel's words. 
{Aside.) I suppose she considers that I have been 
gambling. 

Louise. Did Colonel Van Triton advise you to do it ? 
{Aside.) Has he turned against me, too ! 

Acton. Why, yes. I think the Colonel's judgment 
still sound. Of course, in this misfortune of yours — I — 
he 

Louise. Do not hold him responsible for that. I 
brought it on my own head. 

Acton. Brought it on yourself? But I don't under- 
stand ! 

Louise. No, I dare say you do not. Well, Mr. Acton, 
I hope you will be happy. 

Acton. Happy ! I ? How could I be happy when all 
my — my hopes, my desires have been dashed from me at 
one blow ? 

Louise {bitterly). Is money so much to you, then ? 

Acton. Money ? Money ! Pah ! It is nothing to 
me, nothing ! {Fiercely.) Do not judge others by your- 
self, my dear lady. 

Louise. I do not in the least know what you are talking 
about. 

Acton. That is a mere trite commonplace. You know 
perfectly well what I am talking about. But, Miss Hern- 
don, I am determined to justify myself. You must know 
that I love you — have loved you ever since 

Louise. Stop ! How dare you ! {Aside. ) The very 
words he used to her ! Oh, the perfidy ! 

Acton. How dare I? I don't know. Every poor fel- 
low dares when luck, friends, everything is against him. It 
is despair, I suppose. And I repeat, Miss Herndon — hope* 
Jessie I admit—that I love you devotedly •— - 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 25 

{Enter Mrs. Ambrose and Marjorie, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Sir ! {Advances.) Young man, what 
does this mean? 

Acton. Mean ? Must I explain my affairs to the world ? 

Mrs. Ambrose. As the mother of my daughter, you 
must explain them to me. I entered this room to find my 
daughter in your arms. A little later I return to find you 
attempting to make love to another woman. I repeat, sir, 
what does this mean ? 

(Marjorie laughs.) 

Acton. But, my dear madam 

{Enter Katy in great agitation.) 

Katy {to Louise). Oh, ma'am, where's the Colonel? 
They's two men awaitin' down in the hall as looks like 
policemin, a-askin' fer 'im. Their language is awful, mum. 

[Enter Colonel, Miss Horton and Weston, r.) 

Colonel. What's this? Two men looking like police- 
men? What can they want with me? (Aside.) Have 
they got wind of this beastly joke on 'Change ? 

Miss Horton {shrieking). They have come to tear us 
from our home ! We shall be thrown upon the world's 
mercy ! {To Colonel.) And you have done this ! You, 
villain, traitor, thief! ! ! 



curtain 



ACT III 

Time : Same afternoon. 

SCENE. — Same as Act I. Curtain discloses Louise di- 
recting Katy in the arranging of books, furniture, etc. 

Louise. Put everything as it was before, Katy. The 
comedy's played out. 

Katy. You're mean in' as how we won't have to be 
l'avin' this house at all, at all ? 

Louise. I mean just that. 

Katy. An' the p'licemin won't be after turnin' us out? 
An' we won't have to live in t'ree rooms an' a bath? An' 
Miss Horton can be after havin' her swatebrids an' dollar a 
pound tay? Praise be to the saints! But how is it wid 
yersilf, Miss Louise? Sure, it's dancin' yez ought to be 
wid the j'y of it, 'stid of mopin' like. 

Louise. Oh, Katy, I am the most miserable of mortals ! 

Katy. Miserable? Miserable, mum? When it's so 
rich you be ? 

Louise. That's just it. Every one loves me for my 
money. For what I can give them, Katy, not for what I 
am to them. 

Katy. Ach, sure, mum, there is nobody as can hilp 
lovin' of yez f r your own swate silf, mum. I do, I'm sure. 
An' there's others, mum. (Begins to cry.) 

Louise (heartily). Thank you, Katy. Your loyalty is 
cheering. My strategy has proven one good friend, at least. 
( Goes to door, pauses.) Oh, Katy, if a package comes for 
me, say there is no answer. 

(Exit Louise, back.) 

Katy. Yes, mum. (Drying her eyes.) Well, now, 
who'd a thunk it? Here's a young lady, beautiful, starry- 
eyed, swan-necked, rolling in dollars — just like a heeroyne 
of romantics. I've read heaps on 'em where the heeroyne 
wasn't so swate-like, an' beloved as Miss Louise is too. 
There's two young men at laste a-wantin' her 'r I'm a 

26 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 2J 

Dutchman. An' it turns out like the reel love-stories as she 
ain't lost her money at all, at all — lastewise it's turnin' that 
way — an' yit, she's unhappy. Well, it does beat me. 

{Exit Katy, r.) 

{Enter Miss Horton back, with bandbox.) 

Miss Horton. Katy, will you {Looks about 

room.) Why, I certainly thought Katy was here. Fate is 
against me. Just as I had screwed my courage to the stick- 
ing point {even to ivriting out the label) of renunciation, 
Katy is not here. I thought to send this bonnet — such a 
love of a bonnet — back without a renewal of temptation. 
Katy is not here to send ; the bonnet is still on my hands, 
thrust back upon them as it were, by Providence. And 
now I shall have to make up my mind all over again. 
{Sighs and opens box.) Heigh-ho ! Such a becoming 
bonnet, too. [Holds up bonnet and surveys it.) And 
such a mental exertion to decide upon where to put that 
bow. And now, I must give it up. Ah, 'tis a weary 
world to be poor in ! {Crosses to mirror and tries on the 
bonnet.) Ah, it's sweetly pretty ! And the Colonel would 
greatly admire that touch of mauve. The Colonel was al- 
ways so fond of mauve. The Colonel — oh, the author of 
all our woes ! {Replaces bonnet in box.) I must assist in 
the melancholy process of packing up. Why {looking about 
her), everything is put back in its place ! Now it will have 
to be done all over again. {Commences to pile books on 
floor.) 

{Enter Katy, back, with package.) 

Katy {laying what is unmistakably a florist 's box on 
table). A package for Miss Louise, mum. {Bell rings. 
Exit Katy. Reenters, followed by Colonel.) Colonel 
Van Triton, mum, to see the ladies. 

{Exit Katy.) 

Colonel {testily). Good-afternoon, madam. Will you 
kindly tell your niece that I wish to speak to her upon very 
urgent business? Very urgent business, madam. She has 
gotten me into a pretty lot of trouble ! 

Miss Horton {indignantly). My n ; ece gotten you into 
trouble? You — you unnatural creature! You monster! 



28 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

You betray a sacred trust — take for your own nefarious pur- 
poses the money of a helpless, orphaned girl, squander it, 
pauperize the poor, weak child and her unhappy aunt ! and 
then you come here and dare to speak like that ! I 

Colonel. But, madam, you don't understand ! 

Miss Horton. I do understand, only too well. And to 
think that I, too, almost trusted you once ! , 

Colonel. And will again, I trust. If you will allow 
me to explain 

Miss Horton. One cannot explain one's crimes. No, 
sir. I shall listen to nothing more from you. 

Colonel {genuinely distressed). But Miss Horton, I — 
I cannot bear to lose your — your good opinion of me. I 
want it — 'pon my soul I do. We — we used to be happy 
together, eh? {Smiles cajolingly.) I really think our na- 
tures are sympathetic — atune — all that sort of thing. 
Madam {approaches), I regard you highly — I 

Miss Horton (sternly). Stop, sir ! (Aside.) I really 
believe he is — was — going to propose ! Oh, my poor heart ! 
(Aloud. ) I must be firm. At whatever cost to my own 
poor feelings I shall remain loyal to my niece ! 

(Exit Miss Horton, back.) 

Colonel. Now, here's another to do ! Miss Horton is 
a real kindly soul. She would cheer my declining days im- 
mensely. Never knew I wanted her until I lost her. An- 
other misfortune arising out of that silly jest. Jest, indeed ! 
(Laughs bitterly.) I was an old idiot to allow it. And 
there's Acton, been storming about my office for the last 
half-hour, raving like a love-sick loon. Says I must bring 
them together. I ! How, I'd like to know ? (Pauses, 
hands thrust deep in pockets, in perplexity.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (heard without*). Thank you, Katy, I 
dare say I shall find them in here. 

Colonel. Mrs. Ambrose ! This is too much ! More 
than I bargained for ! (Looks about room.) And no way 
of escape. 

(Enter Mrs. Ambrose and Marjorie, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Ah, my dear Colonel, such a delicious 
surprise ! (Aside.) I saw him come in here. (Aloud.) 
Such an excellent opportunity to — eh ? (Pauses.) I am 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 1C) 

SUre you have oceans to say to me. Oh, you sly man ! 
(To Marjorie.) Marjorie, my dear, go down to the front 
hall and wait there until I come. 

Marjorie. But I want to see Louise. 

Mrs. Ambrose. Which is just what I do not want you 
to do — until I have seen her first. She must explain this 
morning's incident. Go, my dear. {Exit Marjorie, un- 
willingly, back.) Ah, dear Colonel, shall we not retire to 
the library for our little talk? So much more private ! 

Colonel. But I am here to see Miss Louise on very 
important business, very important. 

Mrs. Ambrose. I dare say. So am I ! But that will 
do later. Our own affairs first, Colonel, our own affairs ! 

Colonel (aside). I verily believe she is going to make 
me propose to her ! (Aloud.') But, madam, I — I assure 
you I know of — of nothing 

Mrs. Ambrose (faking his arm). Of nothing to prevent 
our cozy little talk? Neither do I. {Leads him to 
door, l.) 

Colonel (trying to draw back). But 1 don't under- 
stand — you don't understand 

Mrs. Ambrose (tenderly). Ah, but you are going to 
make me ! Dear Colonel ! 

(Exeunt Mrs. Ambrose and Colonel, l. arm in arm.) 

(Enter Louise, r. Sees package on table.) 

Louise. A package for me ! (Approaches table.) And a 
note. (Takes up note.) Addressed in Robert's handwrit- 
ing, marked "Answer." Why was I not told of this? (Rings 
bell, then opens and reads note. Reading.) " My dear 
Miss Herndon, I know things look much against me, but be- 
lieve me, I can explain all. I venture to send you these flow- 
ers. If you have enough faith in me to let me explain and 
clear myself, send the boy away without an answer. I shall 
understand and come at once. Yours, Robert Acton." 
(Speaks.) He will come at once. The boy was sent away 
without an answer, goodness knows how long ago. He may 
be here at any moment. 

(Enter Katy.) 

Katy. Did you ring, mum ? 

Louise. I certainly did. Katy, why was that package 



30 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

left here and never brought to me ? Did you not see that 
the note is marked " Answer " ? 

Katy. Oh, yis, indade, mum, but it was yersilf as was 
after tellin' me that if a package come 1 was to tak' it an' 
say " no answer." 

Louise. But that was a package from the dressmaker 1 

Katy. I'm right sorry if I've made a mistake, mum. 
How was I to know ? 

Louise. Of course you could not know. But it can't 
be helped now. Go, Katy, go. 

Katy. Yes, mum. An' if you'd be after writin' a note, 
mum, I'd tak' it anywhere for you. 

{Exit Katy, back. ) 

Louise. I'll write a note and let Katy give it to Mr. 
Acton when he calls. 

{Exit Louise, r.) 

{Enter Weston, back. He looks carefully about room; 
then goes to door and beckons. Enter Marjorie on 
tiptoe?) 

Marjorie. I ought not to be here, at all. Mamma told 
me to wait in the hall. 

Weston {indignantly). Like a servant ! At least she 
will not begrudge you a comfortable seat. 

Marjorie {looking about). I am really surprised to 
find such a thing here. I thought the sheriffs came this 
morning to seize the furniture. The Colonel certainly man- 
aged to pacify them with great ease. I wonder if some one 
offered to pay Louise's debts ? Mr. Weston, did you pay 
them off? 

Weston {in astonishment). I? Certainly not. I have 
nothing to do with Louise's debts. 

Marjorie (drily). Oh, if you're starting out on that 
basis, I am sorry for Louise. 

Weston. I dare say you think my friendship counte- 
nances such an act. But Louise is too proud to accept 
money from a mere friend. 

Marjorie. But you ought not to be considered a mere 
friend — now. 

Weston. Now? I don't understand you. But never 
mind, I want to know the meaning of something much more 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 3 1 

important. What did your mother mean by saying that 
she saw Robert's arm around your waist? 

Marjorie. She meant what she said, I fancy. But how 
can that be of more importance to you than your engage- 
ment to Louise? 

Weston (amazed). My engagement to Louise ! 

Marjorie. That is the subject we have been discussing, 
is it not ? 

Weston (puzzled). Why, not that I was aware. To 
begin with, I am not engaged to Louise. 

Marjorie. Not engaged to Louise ! But Mr. Acton 
heard it all ! 

Weston. So Acton was eavesdropping ! Well, he 
must have left too soon. I'll make a clean breast of it, 
Marjorie. (Marjorie makes gesture of dissent.) Well, 
Miss Marjorie, if you insist. I did propose to Louise. I 
felt in duty bound to help her out of her difficulties and all 
that, don't you know. But all the while I was in love with 
the dearest 

Mrs. Ambrose (heard without). You were saying, 
Colonel ? 

Marjorie. Mamma I Quick, to the hall ! 

(She gives her hand to Harold and they rush off, back.) 

(Enter Mrs. Ambrose and Colonel, l., arm in arm. 
Enter Miss Horton, r. Sees others and slips behind 
screen.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (sentimentally). Ah, Colonel, it is sweet 
to find a kindred soul in this hard, cold world ! Now, you 
and I ! 

Colonel (in matter-of-fact voice). We seem to like the 
same shade of red, madam, and — ah — both agree upon the 
Cuban policy. But that hardly constitutes — ah 

Mrs. Ambrose. It is the keynote, Colonel. To agree 
in little things, means harmony in the whole. Eh, Colonel ? 

Miss Horton (looking around screen). She is trying to 
make him propose to her ! Sooner than see him so sacri- 
ficed, I will marry him myself! (Comes from behind 
screen.) Colonel, when we were interrupted you were 
about 

Mrs. Ambrose (screaming). That woman here ! 



32 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Miss. Horton {haughtily). Certainly. Why should I 
not be here — in my own home ? 

Colonel {aside). At it again ! 

Mrs. Ambrose. This interruption is most inopportune. 

Miss Horton. It is the Colonel and I who were inter- 
rupted. He was just telling me 

Mps. Ambrose. He was just telling me 



{She sees Miss Horton move forward, stops speaking a fid 
moves forward also. Each grasp Colonel by an arm.) 

Mrs. Ambrose ") {together). Colonel, what were you 
Miss Horton } going to tell me ? 

{Enter Katy, back, followed by Acton.) 

Katy. Mr. Acton, mum. 

{Exit Katy.) 

Colonel {wrestling himself free). Another escape ! I 
shall have to make a decision or be forced into bigamy. 
{To Acton.) So, you have followed me here, young man. 
What in thunder do you want now ? I can't explain away 
your gambling, if the lady will call it that ! 

Acton. I have called by appointment, to see your 
ward. 

{Enter Katy with note, which she gives to Acton. ) 

Katy. Miss Herndon wishes to be excused. She says 
to give you this. 

(Acton takes note and reads.) 

Mrs. Ambrose. Louise asks to be excused? But I 
must see her immediately. It is very important. 

Colonel. And I, too. I have been waiting half an 
hour to see her immediately. 

Katy {to Colonel). She said to tell you, sir, as how 
she'd be down in the library in five minutes, sir. 

{Exit Katy.) 

Acton {bitterly, crushing note). Yes, she will receive 
you all, in the library. It is only I she wishes to avoid. ~ 
Mrs, Ambrose {haughtily). I should think she would 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 33 

wish to avoid you, young man. Any right-principled young 
woman would. 

{Exit Mrs. Ambrose, r.) 

Colonel (to Miss Horton). My dear friend, perhaps 
these five minutes, until Louise comes dovvrt, we might spend 
together profitably? (Offers his arm.) 

Miss Horton. Oh, Colonel ! 

(Exeunt Miss Horton and Colonel, l., arm in arm.') 

Acton (alone). Here is a pretty kettle of fish. If I say 
I was not proposing to Marjorie, then it will place her in a 
queer light. Yet, I can't let Louise go on thinking — what 
does she not think ? The moment she loses her money she 
catches me, as she believes, proposing to a girl with a million 
in her own right ! And I silent all these months because I 
could not make my pride knuckle under to marrying a girl 
with money ! And to top it all, she thinks I've been gam- 
bling ! I certainly was born under an unlucky star ! 
( Walks up and down gloomily.) 

(Enter Weston and Marjorie, back.) 

Marjorie (to Weston). Remember, Mr. Acton was 
rehearsing to me, the proposal he wanted to make to Louise, 
and she overheard him. You are to help me convince her 
that it was only a rehearsal. 

Weston. I am also to convince Acton that it is you who 
are engaged to me. 

Marjorie. You will have to convince mamma of that, 
first. 

Weston {to Acton, coming front). Ahem ! I say, old 
chap. (Acton does not turn. Weston dramatically, to 
Marjorie. ) Mark how he moves apart — his clouded brow, 
his perturbation ! Can this be madness ! (To Acton.) I 
say, old sleep-walker. (Nudges him. Acton starts from 
his r every and looks around.) We want your congratula- 
tions. 

Acton (bitterly, turning away). You need not taunt me 
with it. 

Weston. What do you mean ? 

Marjorie (shyly). You don't understand, Mr. Acton. 
Mr, Weston — Harold — said "we" want your congratu- 
lations.. (We.STON mi Marjorie join hands,) 



34 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Acton. What ? you — he — why, can this be so ? [Grasps 
their hands.) 

Weston {gleefully). Indeed it is so, old chap. I'm the 
happiest man in Christendom. 

Marjorie {demurely). If mamma agrees. 

Acton. But I thought — I was sure — I must see Louise 
at once ! (Acton moves toward door, r.) 

{Enter Louise, r.) 

Louise {coldly). Still here, Mr. Acton? Did I not ex- 
plain the misunderstanding concerning the flowers ? They 
are there. You may take them. {Motions toward box on 
table. ) 

Acton {sadly, lifting box). Ah, poor little flowers, must 
you suffer too, from a misunderstanding ? 

Marjorie {taking box and opening it). Oh, Louise, 
what a shame to let such lovely flowers wither ! 

Louise. Put them in water then, Marjorie. They are 
more yours than mine. 

Marjorie. You give them tome? {Turns to Weston.) 
See, Harold, my first engagement present. (Louise 
winces. ) 

Weston. Thank you, Louise. May I not share in the 
congratulations ? 

Louise. Congratulations upon what ? 

Weston. Why, upon my engagement to Marjorie, of 
course. 

Louise {bewildered). Your engagement ? — to Marjorie? 
But I thought — Mr. Acton — it certainly appeared — Mrs. 
Ambrose thinks 

Marjorie. I was trying to encourage Mr. Acton by 
getting him to practice a proposal — I see now, how 
witless it was in me. Afterward he told me that it was 
hopeless anyhow because you were already engaged to 
Harold. That made me cry and he was trying to comfort 
me when mamma unfortunately entered. 

Louise. Mr. Acton said that I was engaged to Harold ? 

Acton. I came here this morning to offer you, a poor 
woman, the love I dared not give the heiress. I entered by 
accident upon a scene 

Weston. And left before he learned that what you 
accepted was my aid in lifting down a picture, 



FOR LOVE OR MONEY 35 

Louise. Mr. Acton — you — you really mean what you 
just said ? 

Acton. Can you doubt me ? 

Louise. No, no. And forgive me that I ever did, 
(Gives him her hand.) Listen, all. I have a confession to 
make. I have not lost my money. It was merely a — a 
ruse in which I made the Colonel share in order to — to 

Acton (reproachfully). To test me ! 

Louise. Ah, forgive me ! I — I did not want to believe. 
But so many people talked. And — and Mrs. Ambrose said 
she had heard you telling some woman that you would not 
think of marrying, but that you needed money. 

Acton (puzzled). I said I would not marry unless I 
had money. But I certainly discussed my affairs with no 
woman. 

Weston. Isn't it that old debt you were trying to collect 
from that rascal, Smith ? 

Acton. Ah, yes, I was talking to Miss Smith about it at 
the ball, night before last. I recollect seeing Mrs. Ambrose 
pass. She misconstrued my words ! The — the 

Marjorie. Ahem ! 

Acton. I beg your pardon, Miss Marjorie, but your 
mother really does seem to be at the bottom of this misery. 

Marjorie. It was mean of her to tell. Harold, for fear 
of the stern parent's no, let us elope. (She mounts on chair 
and leans over the back.) " Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art 
thou, Romeo ? " 

Harold (dropping on one knee). But soft, what light 
through yonder window breaks. Is it the East and Juliet is 
the sun ? Arise fair sun, the horses await us. The road is 
long and time is fleeting. 

Marjorie. And the villain still pursues us ! Stand from 
under and catch my Saratoga trunk. (Lifts her arms to 
make gesture of flinging. ) 

(Enter Mrs. Ambrose, back.) 

Mrs. Ambrose (aghast). Marjorie ! 

(Weston springs to his feet and assists Marjorie fro?n 

chair.) 

(Enter Miss Horton and Colonel, l.) 

Colonel (indignantly). The jest is too long drawn out. 
Louise must have seen the folly of it by now. 



36 FOR LOVE OR MONEY 

Louise. Ah, Colonel, your tongue need be silent no 
longer. Check the wild rumors on 'Change as you busi- 
ness men know so well how to do. Our conspiracy is suc- 
cessful. 

Colonel. Our conspiracy ! Yours, if you please. 
Young lady, do you appreciate the vexation — the worry — 
the embarrassment you have put me to ? My very repu- 
tation is at stake ! 

Louise. I am sorry, Colonel. 

Colonel {testily). Sorry ! Is that all ? 

Mrs. Ambrose (advancing front). Ah, Colonel, no one 
could ever doubt your honesty ! 

(Colonel looks about for place to hide.) 

(Enter Katy, back.) 

Miss Horton {stepping between Colonel and Mrs. 
Ambrose). In which sentiment I agree with you. In proof 
of it, I have just promised to become the Colonel's wife ! 

(Mrs. Ambrose shrieks and faints in Katy's arms.) 

Colonel (reproachfully, to Louise). So, you are sorry, 
young lady. Is this what I get for my pains ? 

Miss Horton. You have me, Colonel ! 

Louise. And you also have the assurance for which I 
sought. You know that you are loved for yourself ! 

(Louise turns to Acton.) 



curtain 



JUN 38 1903 




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